Author: Rachel Coffman

The Spooky Side of the Smokies

Posted on October 20, 2020 by - Activities, Blog

Maple Lane Pumpkin Farm two boys and a cart

Halloween is just around the corner, and even with less scheduled events, there is no reason to miss out on the Spooky Side of the Smokies. Fall in the Smokies is gorgeous, and even though this year will look very different from previous years, we have put together a list of some pandemic friendly activities for all ages.

Maple Lane Maze

Since its opening in 1999, this corn maze has become an annual Blount County tradition. With inflatables, slides, hayrides, and pumpkins, there is something for the whole family. Older kids and adults can get into the Halloween spirit in the haunted corn maze, which begins on select nights after 7 p.m.
Maple Lane Corn Maze dad and daughters

Parkway Drive-In

Watch a scary movie on the big screen while social distancing at the Knoxville Horror Fest, held at the Parkway Drive-In in Maryville on October 23 -25. The event will include horror classics, such as Demons and Return of the Living Dead.

A.M.S. Haunted Attractions

For those who enjoy a good scare, A.M.S. Haunted is a haunted house located near Lamar Alexander Parkway. Open from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.; there are indoor and outdoor haunts. This event is free, but they accept canned food donations and are also hosting a Trunk-r-Treat event on October 31, beginning at noon.
Fog on a moonlit night in Cades Cove

Visit Haunted Cades Cove

Although specific ghost stories are few, plenty of visitors have reported paranormal activity. Enjoy local graveyards or try to catch a photo of an orb; we’ve even had a report of a woman’s face coming out of an old church wall. You can also learn about the legend of Mavis Estep in The Cussing Cover, and many other eerie activities visitors encounter after dusk in Cades Cove.

Spooktacular Extravaganza Drive-Thru

This free Halloween event on Friday, October 30, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Foothills Mall allows children to trick-or-treat from the comfort of their car. Attendees can compete in an online costume contest, decorated car contest, or even a Howl-O-Ween costume contest for dogs at Pet Supplies Plus.
Little Witch costume
Visitors and event attendees are encouraged to stay up-to-date on Covid-19 guidelines on the C.D.C. website at cdc.gov/coronavirus. Come enjoy this amazing fall weather and experience the Spooky Side of the Smokies.
 

Check out the following posts for some more about the Smoky Mountains in the fall:

Spectacular Fall Drives in the Smokies

Visit Blount County’s Farmers Markets and Experience the Flavors of the Region

Tips on Taking the Best Travel Photos

Posted on March 2, 2023 by - Activities, Blog

friends tubing down the Little River in Townsend, TN

You always want to remember your vacation on the Peaceful Side of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Smokies are one of the most beautiful places in the world, so there will be no shortage of photo opportunities during your stay. We put together expert advice to ensure you take the best travel photos on your visit. 

Travel Photo Tips

Plan Ahead

  • Get to know your camera. Pull out your camera’s instruction booklet and get comfortable with the different buttons and settings. If you’ll catch most of your memories on your phone, play around and get comfortable with the various features, like portrait or panorama modes. Remember a tripod. Pro Tip: Use the camera on your phone, not one built into apps like Snapchat or Instagram. These apps can reduce the original image size, making them terrible for printing.
  • Research the locations you’ll be visiting to find popular photo spots, the best times of day for lighting, and when is the best time to avoid crowds.
  • Pick a theme or something to photograph each trip, like morning dew on a spring bloom or diverse wildlife. Another idea is to pick a handful of items you want to find: a trail sign, a creek, your favorite thing about your hotel or Airbnb, a chainsaw carving by Bubba Daniel, or your favorite mountain view. Those five items can tell the story of your day, ending with a selfie of yourself at Dancing Bear Bistro for dinner.

Use the Rule of Thirds

  • Simply put, take pictures of your subject off-center. The Rule of Thirds states that the best place for your subject is where the horizontal and vertical lines cross. Place your subjects in the image’s righthand, lefthand, top, or bottom third. Some phones and cameras have grid settings to help you visually divide your image.
  • You can also use your Rule of Thirds gridlines as a perfect guide for the horizon, allowing for straight photos.
  • Pro Tip: Experiment with angles. Try shooting from different perspectives, using high or low angles, to add depth and dimension to your photos.

Simplify the Clutter

  • Instead of photographing the whole forest in one frame, focus on one subject, like an Eastern Sweetshrub, and use the forest as a backdrop. The eye wants to land on something in the frame, then take in the rest of the photo. If an image is too cluttered, your audience will not know where to focus.
  • Showing the subject in its environment tells a story by placing the subject in the environment without losing the subject in the entire scene. You can do this with a somewhat shallow depth of field, placing your daughter off to the side and in the foreground so that the background is identifiable but slightly blurry. It is the shock of cold you want to see on your daughter’s face but identifying the river as the source of emotion. The portrait mode of your phone’s camera can automatically create this effect. Pro Tip: If you can find a pattern, and something that breaks it, definitely take the shot.
Butterfly on a flower in the Great Smokey National Park

Take Photographs of People

  • Yes, Clingman’s Dome is breathtaking, but you can Google professional pictures of Clingman’s Dome anytime. The wonder on your child’s face when they see all the reds, blues, yellows, and greens of a Smoky Mountain sunset that’s an image worth more than any you could Google.
  • Take a picture of that perfect sunset, but take the family pictures or goofy selfies first.
  • Capture candid moments: Don’t just focus on posed photos; some of the most memorable vacation photos capture genuine, spontaneous moments.
  • Incorporate people and local culture. Including people and elements of the local culture can help bring your vacation photos to life and make them more unique. Pro Tip: Be sure to ask for permission where necessary.

Follow the Light

  • One of the biggest amateur mistakes in vacation photos is shooting into the light. Photos or videos with light behind the subject, rather than in front, expose the background but leaves faces darkened by shadows. Always let light hit the focus of your subject. Always look at the light.
  • Focus on Golden and Blue Hours. The Golden Hour is that first hour, as the sun peaks over the horizon in the morning or the last hour before the sun sets. The light casts a warm, mystical glow on the world. The Blue Hour is when the sun has fallen behind the horizon, giving off a blue and violet hue. Remember to set your morning alarm depending on where you want to get photos on the Peaceful Side. Pro Tip: Stay around if sunrise or sunset could be more impressive. You never know when the clouds will break or the sky will burst into brilliant color.
  • Pro Tip: Whatever you do, don’t use flash. Instead, look for ambient light around you, like street lights. Another approach is to find a pool of light and step into it, or as a last resort, use the “night mode” on your phone.

Forget About Social Media

  • Don’t focus exclusively on the photos you think will get you the most “likes” on social media. The in-between moments will often capture the true nature of your family. If you are taking a video, these moments will make excellent b-roll content for editing. Keep it organic and loose by letting your vacation happen; capture those candid moments.
  • Once you are on the plane or get back home and download all of your pictures, treat your social media as a highlight reel of your family’s best of the best.
  • Pro Tip: Take time to enjoy your vacation instead of trying to one-up your frenemy from college.

See the blog posts below if you are looking for some fantastic places on the Peaceful Side to photograph:

Waterfalls in The Great Smoky Mountains 

Best Views for Sunrises and Sunsets

The Smoky Mountains are Harley-Davidson Paradise

Valentine’s Day Dinner in the Smoky Mountains

Posted on February 12, 2022 by - Blog, Dining

A perfect Valentine’s Day date requires forethought and planning. Show your love with a unique Appalachian dining experience. Book a reservation at one of these celebrated restaurants, nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Everyone has a different definition of romance, so we found a variety of dining experiences that embrace the distinctive local flair of the Smokies.

The Walnut Kitchen

Walnut Kitchen

If your date appreciates exquisite cuisine in a more casual setting, this Maryville restaurant is your ideal date night location. It offers culinary artistry with hometown comfort. Their seasonal menu utilizes local produce and an unsurpassed Tennessee dry-aged beef selection. Experience an unmatched farm-to-table experience with a hand-crafted cocktail while toasting to your partner’s continued happiness.

Walnut Kitchen Beef

The Barn at Blackberry Farms 

Impress your date by reserving a table at this James Beard award-winning Walland restaurant. The multi-course menu uses Applachian ingredients, harvested both regionally and directly from the farm itself. Choose a bottle from one of the 9000 different wine selections in their wine program. Or complete your meal with one of the 300 whiskeys and brandies they have in stock. This fine-dining adventure will undoubtedly spark a little romance into your Valentine’s Day.

Couple eating dinner in the Smoky Mountains

Vee Hollow Mountain Bike Trails

Posted on March 10, 2022 by - Activities, Blog

Vee Hollow Mountain Bike Trail Rider

Vee Hollow Mountain Bike Trails has become a valued addition to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. This mountain biking trail offers adventure for riders at every stage of learning and gives bikers the chance to immerse themselves in nature as they pedal through the Smoky Mountains. Trails are open 365 days of the year, weather and maintenance permitting, from sunrise to sundown.

How Do We Get To Vee Hollow?

Located in Townsend, TN, visitors can access Vee Hollow on the east end of town near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park entrance. Parking is in the gravel lots next to Burget Master at 8439 State Hwy 73. Cross the pedestrian bridge, exclusively built for bikers and hikers, over the Little River to access the Trails. Because Vee Hollow built the park to be a pedal park, no shuttles are available.

Drive Times within the Region

Knoxville – 45 minutes

Gatlinburg – 45 minutes

Asheville – 2 hours and 20 minutes

Atlanta – 4 hours

Nashville – 3 hours and 15 minutes

Vee Hollow Mountain Bike Trail Rider

What does Vee Hollow offer?

14 miles of biking trails, varying from short rides and sessions or all-day rides on the multiple paths covering the West and East Mountains. Experience hand-cut singletrack ventures and long enduro-style descents to a range of flow-based trails that allow for maximum progression.

Mountain Biker Riding on Vee Hollow Trails

How much experience is needed?

The trails and forest playground offer experiences from the very advanced to those who have never ridden trails before. Vee Hollow consists of four riding zones: Skills Area, Demo Flow Trails, Jump Trails, and Mountain Trails (West and East Mountains). Each course is rated: Green for Beginners, Blue for Intermediate, Black for Advanced, and Double Black for Experts.

For another Vee Hollow Trail Overview and Ranking, check out this link at TRAILFORKS.com.

For more posts about activities in the Peaceful Side, see below:

Smoky Mountain Fly Fishing

Waterfalls in The Great Smoky Mountains

Visit Cades Cove

Posted on August 25, 2020 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Cades Cove Loop Tour in Jeep

Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors can explore a variety of historical sites, enjoy the majestic mountain beauty, and find the thrill of spotting life in the wild. Whether you want to visit the grist mill or hope to run across a family of bears, a visit to Cades Cove will keep the whole family engaged.
Cades Cove Loop Tour in Jeep

New Cades Cove App

The Cades Cove Guide puts the history, nature, wildlife, and trails of the Cove in the palm of your hands. It provides a convenient, safe way to keep track of your locations in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Whether you are connected to Wi-Fi or exploring the scenic route, your personal park tour guide brings adventure up close.
Features

  • View points of interest as a list or on a map, both online and offline.
  • Click on the point of interest for photos, quick facts, unique descriptions, hidden treasures, and related content.
  • Share your experience in the “stories” section for others to enjoy.
  • Filter points of interest by The Loop, Trails, Visitor Info, and List View.
  • View the full app navigation, including the loop, stories, nature, wildlife, history, and visitor information.

Cades Cove Guide for Phones

Cades Cove History

The first European settlers arrived in the Cove during the early 1820s, quickly clearing the abundant lands for farming. Community buildings were erected, such as log homes, barns, and smokehouses. But even before the Europeans arrived, Cherokee Indians traveled through the valley hunting for deer, bear, elk, and bison. 
By 1850 the population had grown to 685, and it was not uncommon for households to have ten to twelve children. As the population grew, the community’s needs grew. Soon Baptist and Methodist churches were built, followed by schoolhouses for the kids. Neighbors often worked together, creating social events from tasks like corn husking and molasses making, allowing young couples to court, eventually leading to marriages. Deaths also brought the community together. Men would make coffins and dig graves, while the women would prepare the body for burial. Then everyone chipped in to help the grieving families by cooking meals and helping bring in crops. 
In 1927 the state began purchasing the land for the creation of the national park. Some families welcomed the state’s effort and willingly sold their property and moved out, but many families resisted the attempts. Several residents signed life-leases that allowed them to stay on the land for the rest of their lives, as long as they abided restrictions on hunting, trapping, and timber cutting. The last school in Cades Cove closed in 1944, and the post office soon followed in 1947. Today the National Park Service designated the Cove as a “historical area” and restored and maintains the buildings as they looked in the early days of the settlers.
Cades Cove Historical Sites      Cades Cove Backpacker

Explore the Cove

Each Wednesday, through September 30th, the park offers vehicle-free access along the Cades Cove Loop. The loop is an 11-mile, one-way road circling the Cove, which gives motorists access to sites and the opportunity to sightsee at their own pace. Allow for two to four hours to tour Cades Cove, longer if you stop to explore any of the area trails. Traffic is heavy during the summer, fall, and weekends throughout the year.
Many trails begin in the Cove, including accessible hikes like Abram Falls or more time-consuming hikes like Thunderhead Mountain. Also, make sure to check out the many historical landmarks located within Cades Cove. Sites like the John Oliver Cabin, the Becky Cable House, and the Elija Oliver Place give you a peek into the settler’s home lives in the 19th century. You can also check out the Primitive Baptist Church, the Missionary Baptist Church, and the Methodist Church to learn more about where to community came together to worship. And don’t forget to check out local wildlife like black bears, elk, white-tailed deer, turkey, or woodchucks. But make sure to follow these safety tips and do not feed or approach any animals.  
There is so much to do, so download and use the Cades Cove App to plan your next visit.
Cades Cove App in Use on Phone
 
For more information on the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, check out these posts:

5 Tips for Planning the Perfect Smoky Mountains Vacation

Planning a Family Trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Top 5 Things To Do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Spring

Walls for Women in Maryville: Meet Nicole Salgar's Mural, Senderos

Posted on September 8, 2020 by - Blog, Maryville

Senderos Full View by Nicole Salgar

Murals have become a growing trend in East Tennessee, and for good reason. Public art brings communities together by creating vibrant neighborhoods people take pride in and work to keep beautiful. It draws people into conversation, creating opportunities to share ideas and experiences. Earlier this year, DMA-events, Inc. chose Maryville to be one of seven cities to participate in Walls for Women as a celebration of the 19th Amendment centennial and Tennessee’s place in that history.
Senderos by Nicole Salgar
BEFORE: Bike ‘N Tri in Downtown Maryville prior to the mural
Senderos Full View by Nicole Salgar
AFTER: Bike ‘N Tri in Downtown Maryville now

Walls for Women Inspiration

DMA seeks to educate through art and capture the creative spirit of a community via artistic vision. By promoting public art and the artists who create these installations, the nonprofit aims to bring beauty and new voices into the world. Tennessee’s part in ratifying the 19th Amendment and 100 years of women’s suffrage inspired the Walls for Women project. DMA co-founder Kristin Luna states: “Like nearly every profession, a gender gap exists in the art world. Women muralists are not afforded the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Tennessee’s street art scene is predominantly male, despite there being hundreds of female muralists every bit as talented. To commemorate 100 years of women having federally- recognized voting rights, we want to give female artists the chance to create and leave a piece of history behind.”
Walls for Women in Maryville

The Artist

The Walls for Women artist chosen for Maryville is Nicole Salgar, a visual artist of Latina descent. She traveled from Miami with her partner Chuck Berrett, with whom she has been working for more than a decade. Nicole’s passion for learning about different cultures has led her to travel around the world; she has worked with local communities in Cuba, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. Her travels have allowed her to develop her instinctual self-expression through her art.
Senderos Artist Nicole Salgar
When asked about her craft, she says, “art and design are both something I see as a powerful, transformative force which can elevate the practitioners, the people, and their communities.”
NS/CB Partners Nicole Salgar and Chuck Berrett
Her company, NS/CB, began in NYC in the street realm, but they quickly evolved through their travel and experience. They soon expanded their skillset into high-end interior design, fine art, traditional illustration, fabrication, and installation through various mediums. They have residential clients and commercial clientele, from Fortune 500 companies, small business owners, and non-profit organizations. Their mission is to create an irreplaceable piece unique to living spaces, work environments, and public locations.
Senderos by Nicole Salgar

“Senderos,” the Mural

Nicole calls her mural “Senderos,” meaning trails or paths; it stretches 35 feet high and 100 feet wide and took over 100 hours to complete. It is located on the Bike ‘N Tri building on Broadway Avenue and is one of the largest walls Nicole has painted to date.
Nicole Salgar mural in Maryville
When asked to describe Senderos, Nicole explained:

“The woman in this mural is meant to portray a gatekeeper to other dimensions or realities. Her existence is one that flows through time without boundaries. The lock and key connect to gateways or portals into the unknown. They can also be interpreted as a way to unlock the hidden self. An archway showcasing an upward stairway sits at the center of her chest, while a hand enters the frame holding the key. I intentionally set the woman in a range of misty mountains to reflect Maryville’s location in the foothills of the beautiful Smoky Mountains. I wanted to capture the environment as if it was twilight when everything seems to be covered in a soft illuminating glow. Ultimately, this mural is a culmination of the maternal and feminine spirit of all things, being tied together through reality, dreams, space, and time. Boundless energy which makes up the entire universe.”

Nicole Salgar mural in Maryville

For more places to visit in Blount County, start here:

Waterfalls in The Great Smoky Mountains

Posted on July 25, 2022 by - Activities, Blog

cascading waterfall in the peaceful side of the smokies

There is no better outing during the summer than a trip to one of the many Waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains. Luckily, there are over 2,000 miles of rivers and streams in the national park, resulting in a series of over 100 cascades and falls. We have picked out a handful of beautiful hikes in the Peaceful Side of the park for every level of experience.

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains

Meigs Falls

Meigs Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls to visit. In fact, you can drive your car up to within 500 feet of the falls. The drop is only 28 feet, but it is nestled into a breathtaking spot of the Smokies.

 
Directions

Only located 12.9 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center, near the Townsend “Wye”.

Waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains

Ramsey Cascades

If you are looking for a more strenuous adventure, check out the Ramsey Cascades. The hike is 8 miles roundtrip, and as the tallest waterfall, it follows over 100 feet of tumbling cascades throughout the park. The trail to the waterfall gains over 2,000′ in elevation, passing through old-growth cove hardwood forest.


Direction

Take Highway 321 east of Gatlinburg to the Greenbrier entrance to the park. Follow the signs to the Ramsay Cascades trailhead.

group hiking to a waterfall in the smokies

Spruce Flat Falls

The hike to Spruce Flat Falls is only two miles roundtrip, but it can get significantly steep, making it a more challenging hike. Located in the Tremont section of the park, a still relatively unknown area, there is a chance for a more private experience. At the bottom of the 30-foot fall, dropping in four stages, you will find a pool of water perfect for a refreshing summer swim.

Directions

You will find this trail located on Tremont Road near Smokey Mountain Institute at Tremont, near Cades Cove.

man hiking through a river in the Smokies

Abrams Falls

Abrams Falls is one of the “Waterfall Quartet”, a group of four waterfalls, including Abrams, Laurel, Grotto, and Rainbow Falls. Although the waterfall is only 20 feet high, it has the highest volume of water, making it the most voluminous falls in the park. It empties into a large, picturesque pool, but swimming is off-limits because of the strong currents and dangerous undertow.


Directions

From Townsend or Gatlinburg, follow signs to Cades Cove. The turnoff for Abrams Falls Trail is located past stop #10 (signed) along Cades Cove Loop Road.

Woman hiking in the Smoky Mountains

Indian Creek Falls

The Indian Flats Falls is beyond Toms Branch Falls another half-mile, turning right onto Indian Creek Trail. The trail begins as a wide path as it traces Deep Creek upstream. After walking just one-tenth of a mile, there will be a short spur trail on your left that leads down to the 45-foot waterfall. If you were to climb back to the main trail and walk a short distance up, the Indian Flats Falls looks more like a water slide than an actual waterfall.


Directions

Located on Tremont Road near Smokey Mountain Institute at Tremont, near Cades Cove. Hike on Middle Prong Trail to Panther Creek Trail.

Waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains

These are just a handful of the waterfall opportunities in the Great Smoky Mountain National Parks. Take the time to do a little more research and find yourself in a world of awe-inspiring waterscapes and hiking opportunities for the whole family.

For more summer adventures in the Peaceful Side, check out the blog links below.

Hidden Treasures in the Peaceful Side

Kid-Friendly Activities on the Peaceful Side

What to Know About Snakes in the Smokies

Posted on June 12, 2023 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Corn Snake in the Smoky Mountains

We have put together info and images to help you understand what you need to know about snakes in the Smokies. But the biggest takeaway from this post is that there’s no need to let your fear of snakes keep you from enjoying your time in the Smokies.

eastern garter snakes in the great smoky mountains
Eastern Garter
Photo by Randy Ratliff

What Species of Snakes are in the Great Smoky Mountains

Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are just that, peaceful and reclusive reptiles. There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. To find a complete chart, including photos of every breed of snake you may encounter during your visit to the Smoky Mountains, click here to visit thesmokies.com/snakes/ website. 

northern copperhead in the great smoky mountain national park
Northern Copperhead
Photo by Randy Ratliff

Venomous vs. Non-venomous Snakes in the Smokies

The two venomous snakes to keep an eye out for are the Timber Rattlesnake and the Northern Copperhead. The Timber Rattler has the most toxic venom of the two species. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. The Northern Copperhead, on the other hand, gives no warning. Although their bite is generally not venomous enough to kill, it will cause significant pain.

There are a few ways to identify venomous snakes in this region. As a general rule, all venomous snakes have triangular-shaped heads with verticle slit eyes. In contrast, non-venomous snakes tend to have rounder heads and pupils. Another easy giveaway is the snake’s habitat. Rattlesnakes tend to prefer rocky outcrops, ledges, and southern-facing hillsides while enjoying sunning on rocks. Copperheads, on the other hand, tend to hide in the crevices of rocks along stream banks. Also, be aware that both hide in manufactured structures like stone buildings and fences. The last thing to look for is the coloring of the snake. Copperheads, as their name suggests, have an identifying copper hue. At the same time, Timber Rattlers are usually brown but can vary from oranges to black depending on where they are during their molting season.

timber rattler in the great smoky mountains
Timber Rattlesnake
Photo by Randy Ratliff

Be Mindful While Exploring the Smoky Mountains

  1. Be aware of your environment. Be mindful where you step and pay attention to the warning rattle of an upset rattlesnake. If you are climbing on rocks, watch where you put your hands. Rocky outcrops are favored places for snakes to warm in the sun.
  2. Wear appropriate shoes. It may seem obvious, but sturdy hiking boots are more likely to protect your feet than a pair of flip-flops.
  3. Keep children close and explain what they need to look for before you start your exploration.
  4. Keep a hands-off approach with the snakes. Feeding, touching, teasing, and handling wildlife is prohibited in the national park. Continue to move along and do not interact.
  5. Do NOT kill a snake if you run across one on your path. It is illegal to kill snakes in the state of Tennessee.

What to Do If a Snake Bites You

First of all, there has never been a recorded fatality to do a venomous snake bite in the park. But if a snake bites you, the most important thing to do is stay calm and call 911 even if you believe the snake was not venomous. Make a note of the snake’s appearance, or even better, get a photo of the snake to show to healthcare professionals. Keep a black sharpie available in your emergency kit, so you can circle precisely where the bite is because, in time, the wound may swell and bruise. If possible, position yourself so that the bite stays at or above heart level. The CDC no longer recommends trying to remove the venom yourself but instead spend that time seeking immediate medical attention.

rough green snake spotted in the great smoky mountains
Rough Green Snake
Photo by Randy Ratliff

Snakes are part of the Smokies, but nothing to fear. Make yourself knowledgeable, pay attention to where you step, and be respectful to these mostly peaceful inhabitants. Stay aware of your environment and have a great time enjoying this gorgeous part of the country.

For more posts related to Smoky Mountain wildlife, check out these links below:

Wildlife Viewing and Safety Tips

Smoky Mountain Fly Fishing

Wildflowers of the Smokies

Posted on March 24, 2023 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

Anyone from this area knows that Spring is a vibrant and unique reminder of life and beauty. Not only has the frost given up its last gesture for the year, but the Wildflowers of the Smokies are finding their voices and demanding acknowledgment. Our friends and photographers, Randy Ratliff and Laura Matthews, have provided many of the beautiful images below.

There are over 1,600 different types of flowering plants covering the mountains in the Smokies. We’ve selected a few of the easiest-to-recognize flowers below, but we’d love to hear about or see pictures of your favorite Smoky Mountain Wildflower. Click here for a broader guide to the beauty found in our mountains.

However, today we encourage you to take the family hiking with a scavenger hunt in mind. Remind the kids how “April showers bring May flowers.” To find the best of Spring’s ensemble, you don’t have to look hard, but here are a few for your cheat sheet. See who can be the first to find each of these common wildflowers.

Wildflowers of the Smokies

Smoky Mountain Wildflower Trails

Gregory Bald – This fairly strenuous hike is 11.3 miles roundtrip and includes 3020 feet of elevation gain. At the summit, you will find Flame Azaleas in abundance. According to the Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association, the various hybrids of azaleas on Gregory Bald are so impressive and unique that the British Museum of Natural History has collected numerous samples. Folks come from all over the world to see the many acres of wildflowers of the Smokies showcasing colors of fire red, wine red, orange, yellow, salmon, pink, white, and multi-colored azaleas that reach peak season around June.

Chestnut Top Trail – This moderately strenuous hike is 8.6 miles roundtrip and includes 1486 feet of elevation gain. Wildflowers sprout early on this trail, where you can find a variety of blooms like white trillium, purple phacelia, and star chickweed in March and early April.

Rich Mountain Loop Trail – This moderately strenuous hike is 8.5 miles roundtrip and includes 1736 feet of elevation gain. Rich Mountain Loop is a beautiful hike of Cades Cove if you don’t feel like sitting in the hours of gridlock on the 11-mile loop accessible to cars. Get even better access on Wednesday and Saturday mornings during the summer months when the park closes the loop road for bicycles, as well. As you get further along the loop, you will find one of the most diverse amounts of wildflowers in the Smokies.

White Oak Sinks – The trail comes to life with a carpet of thousands of wildflowers. It’s located between the Townsend “Y” and Cades Cove.

Middle Prong Trail – The trailhead for the Middle Prong Trail is at the end of Tremont Road close to the Townsend “Y.” As you hike along this old dirt road, you should see toothwort, foamflower, violets, trilliums, and wood sorrel. Along with the fantastic wildflowers, there are waterfalls to discover and cool off in, as well.

We hope your scavenger hunt is a success and you are able to explore places in the park you haven’t ventured into yet.

Wildflower season is here and will continue to bloom throughout the summer. Come visit soon, and make sure to bring your camera, so you can become as amazing an amateur photographer as our friends Randy and Laura!

Wildflowers of the Smoky Mountains - Photographer Randy Ratliff
The Eastern Sweetshrub is a shrub with glossy, aromatic, leathery, dark-green foliage and fragrant flowers.
Yellow Trillium- Trillium luteum
Yellow Trillium- Trillium Luteum. Its twisted yellow petals distinguish it with a lemony fragrance. It can be found in deciduous forests, open woods, rocky stream banks, and rich mature forests.
Bloodroot - Sanguianaria canadensis
Bloodroot Flower (Poppy Family). The red juice from the underground stem was used by Native Americans as a dye for baskets, clothing, and war paint, as well as for insect repellent.
Wildflowers of the Smoky Mountains - Photographer Randy Ratliff
Mayapple.
All the parts of the plant, except the fruit, contain podophyllotoxin, which is highly toxic if consumed but was used by Native Americans for a variety of medicinal purposes- and is used today in prescription drugs.
Flame Azalea
Flame Azalea is regarded as one of the most gorgeous American shrubs for its fiery flowers.
Pink Lady Slipper
The Pink Lady’s Slipper is a large, showy wildflower belonging to the orchid family.
Crested Dwarf Iris - Iris Cristata
Crested Dwarf Iris
The sepals of its blue-violet flowers are distinctly marked with a central yellow or white, purple striped band.
Fetterbush
They are born in showy clusters and have a pleasant honey-like fragrance
Starry Chickweed - Stellaria Pubera
Starry Chickweed is an edible, foraging-friendly weed with a corn-cob-like flavor in its raw form. *Please note though Picking plants and removing objects from the national park not only damages the environment. It is also against the law.
Fire Pink Flower.
The fire pink is a member of the carnation family. The brilliant flowers attract the ruby-throated hummingbirds, one of the species’ primary pollinators.
Spring Beauty - Claytonia virginica
Spring Beauty
This attractive wildflower is a sure sign that spring has arrived and that the local woodlands are full of wildflowers.
Purple Phacelia
Purple Phacelia
Look for the beautiful purple flower blooming in clusters on slopes and rocks.

For more ideas to enjoy springtime in the Great Smoky Mountains, check out these posts:

Vee Hollow Mountain Bike Trails

Springtime in the Smoky Mountains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wildlife Viewing and Safety Tips

Posted on October 2, 2020 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Black Bear Cub Climbing Tree in Smoky Mountain National Park

One of the best parts of visiting the Great Smoky Mountains is all of the wildlife unique to this region of the world. In fact, there are 65 mammal species alone. Animals like elk, coyotes, raccoons, bobcats, white-tailed deer, and black bears are essential parts of the park’s ecology. But there are also smaller inhabitants with valuable functions, like fireflies, turtles, bats, chipmunks, and salamanders. To make your adventure the best, here are some wildlife viewing and safety tips for the Smokies.

Best Locations for Wildlife Viewing

  • Bears

    Just under 2,000 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains, so the probability of seeing a bear is high. But, if you want to increase your odds, check out the Cades Cove area in the park’s western region.

Black Bear in the Great Smoky Mountains

Photograph by Randy Ratliff

  • Bobcats

    These nocturnal and reclusive animals are the only feline that lives in the park. Because of their solitary lifestyle, you can count yourself lucky if you spot one of these beautiful cats.

  • Elk

    In 2001, the park officials reintroduced 25 elk into the Great Smoky Mountain National park, and the following year they reintroduced 27 more. After 200 years, elk are being spotted in Tennessee again. Elk are most active in the mornings and are most readily spotted in the park’s Cataloochee section.

Large Elk calling into the Great Smoky Mountains

Photograph by Randy Ratliff

  • White-Tailed Deer

     – The white-tailed deer is the smallest of the deer species and is a common sight in open areas like Cades Cove.

  • Fireflies

    There are 19 firefly species in the park, but one of the most unique is the synchronous fireflies. Each year, these beautiful creatures put on a spectacular show in the Elkmont area of the park during their mating season.

For some more information on some of your favorite wildlife in the Smokies, check out our friends at www.wildlifeinformer.com and www.smokymountains.com.

Duckling siblings in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Photograph by Randy Ratliff

Wildlife Safety Tips

Often when we first discuss wildlife safety tips, many people assume we are giving directions to keep humans safe. And while human safety is essential, much of this information is in place to maintain our wildlife’s safety. 

  • Never Approach

    The national park’s Code of Federal Regulations states no one can willfully approach wildlife within 150 feet or any distance that disturbs or displaces the animal. This rule also includes letting animals approach you. We do this to maintain our safety, but this also respects the wildlife’s natural habitat. Instead of coming closer, use binoculars, spotting scopes, or cameras with telephoto lenses to enjoy the animals.

Black Bird in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Photograph by Randy Ratliff

  • Never Feed

    You may think feeding the animals could cause no harm, but you are very wrong. Nearly 10,000,000 people visit the park each year, so if only 1% of our visitors fed the wildlife, that would be 100,000 people a year. This interaction teaches the animals to associate humans with food, and if the animals lose their fear of humans, they become dangerous and unpredictable. Dangerous and unpredictable animals aren’t safe for visitors and often end up being euthanized. So, next time you feel inclined to feed the precious, hungry bear cub, keep in mind, you may be signing its death warrant. We also want to emphasize the importance of properly storing food and trash disposal while picnicking, camping, or staying in the park because it has the same consequences.

  • Do Not Disturb Natural Habitat

    The park is our wildlife’s homes. How would you feel if your guests came into your house and started reorganizing your cabinets or moving around your furniture? You would be frustrated and feel disrespected. Animals feel the same about their homes. But there is another danger level when you move vegetation in the forest or change the rock formations in a creek, etc. These activities can potentially change the environmental impact within the park entirely, which will significantly affect the wildlife.

Frog in water in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Photograph by Randy Ratliff

 
Whether you are visiting the park for the day or spending a week camping off-trail, your actions play into the wildlife’s ability to thrive in their natural habitats. Keep these wildlife viewing and safety tips at the front of your mind on your next visit to the Smokies.
I would also like to thank visual storyteller Randy Ratliff for most of the beautiful photography in this post.

Beaver in the Smokies

Photograph by Randy Ratliff

 

For more Smoky Mountain fun, check out these blog posts:

Here are 7 Reasons You’ll Be Glad You’re Visiting the Smokies this Fall

Our Top 3 Favorite Fall Hikes for Viewing Fall Foliage in the Smokies

Winter in the Smoky Mountains: Advantages & Hiking Tips

Posted on December 30, 2022 by - Activities, Blog

When people think of hiking in the Smoky Mountains, the most popular times of year are generally Spring through Fall. But the Smoky Mountain National Park is open year-round, and winter brings a unique beauty. We’ve put together some of the best reasons you need to get out and enjoy the Smokies this time of year, along with some valuable Winter Hiking Tips.

Exploring The Smoky Mountains in Winter

Are you in the mood for a more challenging hike, like Thunderhead Mountain (elevation: 5527 feet) and Gregory Bald (elevation: 4949)? Or would you prefer a short, invigorating trek to Look Rock Fire Tower on Chilhowee Mountain, off the Foothills Parkway? If you haven’t already explored, here are several reasons to take that journey in winter. First of all, the most apparent difference while hiking in the cold months is the lack of foliage on the trees. Some trails become very narrow during the summer, so hiking when there is less vegetation can be a relief for the more claustrophobic traveler. And can we talk about the views during the winter? Once the trees shed their leaves, a more pristine view of the magnitude and breadth of our lovely mountains reveals itself.
In the winter months, you will also find that you often have the trails all to yourself. Not only will you see fewer people on your journey, but there will also be a fraction of insects and bugs. There is a special kind of peace when the forest blanketed with silence, your only companion the sound of crunching leaves and falling snow. Another welcome absence on a winter hike is the sometimes stifling summer humidity. Winter in the Smokies is a definite case of less is often more.
Group of friends winter hiking in the snow

 

Tips for Hiking the Smokies in the Cold

  1. Always check the weather and be prepared for it to change.
  2. Snow/ice spikes and trekking poles will help with traction and stability.
  3. Don’t be afraid to spend the extra money to get top quality winter gear. Waterproof and windproof gear can be lifesavers when the windchill at the higher elevations create dramatic temperature drops. 
  4. Layering is essential. Choose wet-wicking material and a light but warm coat, such as a down jacket. Be prepared to layer up or down depending on changing altitudes and surprise weather. Wool socks and appropriate hiking boots will keep your feet warm and a toboggan will prevent body heat from escaping through your head.
  5. Extras. Pack extra socks and gloves in case the ones you are wearing get wet. Extra HotHands or hand warmers are great for putting in your sleeping back for overnight hikes. Remember, it is better to have a heavier pack, with everything you need, than finding yourself hurt or in danger.

Don’t Forget Your Camera

Take advantage of the season to find those distinctive winter shots. You may discover animal prints in the snow or icy rivers. Look for the way the sun reflects on the frosted mountains and expect to see a whole new side of the Smoky Mountains’ personality.
Family goes winter hiking in the snow covered mountains

 
Feature Image by Nikki Adam Jenkins

Check Out These Fun Activities on the Peaceful Side:

Best Views for Sunrises and Sunsets

Hidden Treasures in the Peaceful Side